Creating and sticking to a regular exercise routine can be difficult, so many people turn to personal trainers for help. Personal trainers help people of all fitness levels, from novices to professional athletes, achieve their fitness goals. They plan workouts and offer motivation before, during and after. Trainers can be self-employed, or they can work for fitness centers, gyms and health clubs. Personal trainers can earn nationally accredited certifications from a number of sources. Though not required for employment, a nationally accredited personal trainer certification can make that personal trainer more marketable.

National Commission for Certifying Agencies

The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, or IHRSA, governing board for health and fitness clubs, recommends that its member clubs employ personal trainers who possess certification from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, NCCA, or a similar entity. The NCCA is the main accreditation body for personal training and as of 2012, the NCCA had 13 accredited personal training certification programs under its authority. Popular certification programs include the American Council on Exercise and the National Exercise Trainers Association.

American National Standards Institute

The American National Standards Institute is another IHRSA-recommended certification board. Started in 1918, ANSI serves as the official United States representative to the International Standards Organization. ANSI extends accreditation to the World Instructors Training Schools, with a hybrid in-person and online learning program leading to a personal training certification. Personal training certification candidates can find the W.I.T.S certification programs in more than 1,000 locations in all 50 states. Another program, the CrossFit personal training program, received ANSI accreditation in 2010 for its Level 1 Training Course.

Educational Groups

Several education agencies also offer national accreditation for personal trainers. The Distance Education and Training Council, back by the IHRSA and a non-profit educational association started in 1926, covers personal training certification groups such as the International Sport Sciences Association. Another educational group is the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, offering accreditation services for a number of schools with personal training certification. Two examples are Hofstra University and the National Personal Training Institute of Colorado.

Independent Organizations

Additionally, several independent groups offer nationally accredited personal training certification not backed by NCCA, ANSI or any educational organizations. One is the National Board of Fitness Examiners, founded in 2003 and offering standardized practices for fitness professionals and associations. Another independent entity, the American Fitness Professionals and Associates, offers a personal trainer certification, along with a number of other fitness certifications.

About the Author

Lindsey Thompson began her writing career in 2001. Her work has been published in the Cincinnati Art Museum's "Member Magazine" and "The Ohio Journalist." You'll also find her work on websites like Airbnb, Chron.com, and USAToday.com. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.